Social Value Management

Real lives. Real change. Real impact

At the heart of our work lies a simple conviction: projects and investments should leave a legacy that’s greater than profit.

As a dedicated social value consultancy, we specialise in creating measurable outcomes that extend beyond financial return, embedding social impact into every stage of delivery. We seek out high-potential sectors, like net zero housing, where the need is urgent and the opportunity is transformative. By working alongside visionary organisations, communities and change-makers, we unlock social, economic and environmental value that makes a real and lasting difference.

What is Social Value?

Social Value means creating positive outcomes for people, places, and the planet – not just financial returns.

This includes strengthening social sustainability through fair employment, inclusive engagement, and improvements to community wellbeing. It also means embracing Corporate Social Responsibility in a way that is authentic and aligned to real needs.

For example:
If Cyd Innovation delivers a housing retrofit project, the social value could include warmer homes (reducing fuel bills), new local jobs (boosting the economy), and carbon savings (helping the environment).

In a housing and retrofit context, Social Value might include:

Creating local jobs and apprenticeships
Upskilling young people in construction or energy roles
Supporting local businesses through procurement
Improving resident health and wellbeing (eg. through warmer homes)
Reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency
Environmental improvements (biodiversity, green spaces)
Reducing carbon emissions and supporting Net Zero
Volunteering or donating to community projects
Providing educational resources for schools or tenants

Social Value Legislation.
What are the requirements?

If you’re delivering housing projects, retrofit work or managing public assets, Social Value isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a requirement.

In England, the new Procurement Act 2023 further strengthens these obligations, aligning them with principles outlined in the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS). This reflects a growing demand for transparent, values-led commissioning.

Public sector organisations (like councils and social landlords) now have a duty to consider Social Value Management in everything they buy or build. This means it’s no longer enough to deliver a project on time and on budget. It must also deliver on impact.

Social Value is built into UK law, especially for public sector organisations like councils, housing providers, and local authorities. When contracts are awarded for housing upgrades, energy efficiency works, or new developments, buyers must consider:

What difference will this project make for local people?
Will it create jobs or apprenticeships?
Will it support local businesses?
Will it reduce carbon emissions or protect the environment?
Will it improve health, wellbeing, or skills in the community?

Cyd Innovation provides end-to-end Social Value Consultancy that helps organisations embed social sustainability into procurement, project planning and reporting, ensuring compliance with both the Social Value Act and new frameworks such as the Procurement Act 2023 and NPPS.

Key Legislation You Need to Know

Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012

Requires all public sector bodies in England and Wales to consider social, economic, and environmental benefits when spending public money.

Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

A world-leading Welsh law that ensures decisions today protect the needs of future generations, driving long-term thinking, prevention and community involvement.

Community Benefits Clauses (Wales)

Used in public sector contracts to make sure projects deliver added value, including local jobs, skills training, environmental improvements, and support for community projects.